Mitigation of VX Effluents in Thorough Decontamination Operations

Abstract

Effluents resulting from the decontamination of VX from CARC-painted panels using DF200 have been studied to determine the presence of toxic species. The effect of concrete and sand (two possible sump materials) on the effluents is also examined. Wash-effluents, generated by washing the panel with hot soapy water prior to decontamination, contain high levels of VX which slowly hydrolyze to nontoxic EMPTA, EMPA, and toxic EA-2192, with concrete tending to minimize formation of the latter. Rinse-effluents, generated following decontamination, contain lower levels of VX which tend to fall below acceptable levels (20 ppb) within several hours in contact with sand. VX in rinse-effluents in contact with concrete persists for up to a week, consistent with the decomposition by concrete of active H2O2 in any residual DF200. EA-2192 persists for at least a week in rinse-effluents—in contact with either sand or concrete. Lining sump pits with HTH is a possible mitigation strategy as this decontaminant readily oxidizes residual VX, EA-2192, and even EMPTA to nontoxic EMPA and MPA.